A Cornish-American partnership has re-opened a well-known hotel in one of Cornwall's most stunning locations to national plaudits after a major winter overhaul.

Cornishman Richard Young, a well known local hotelier, and his American wife, Sheryl, have been hard at work putting the finishing touches to an extensive refurbishment programme at Portloe's Lugger Hotel - famous for appearing in television programmes such as The Camomile Lawn.

The hotel has already featured in top national newspapers and is justifiably considered one of the most romantic in the country.

Investment in the hotel has been rewarded by the excellent bookings being received by the hotel, which is also benefiting from the current popularity of Cornwall with visitors. Richard and Sheryl have taken a gamble by creating a haven for over-worked and stressed-out individuals or couples who need to escape to a destination that offers top quality cuisine and service, a fabulous location - and no children or pets.

"We met when Sheryl came down to Cornwall, from her London office, for a relaxing weekend at the hotel I was managing at the time," explained Richard. "She loved it all so much that she agreed to marry me and open up our own hotel!"

Sheryl added: ""As an ex Wall Street financier, I've done a lot of travelling around the world and really understand what people are seeking when they book that special 'get away from it all' break.

"We wanted to make the most of the stunning harbour-side location of The Lugger, and have created additional guest rooms in the old lifeboat house right on the sea wall.

"It's the most exceptional location and is really striking a chord with guests who recognise that we're offering the elements of a beneficial break in one location.

"We also provide spa treatments and the little luxuries that show off Cornish hospitality mixed with American enthusiasm at its best!"

Tucked away in one of Cornwall's most picturesque coves on the Roseland Peninsula, with its own tiny harbour, Portloe was once a thriving fishing village.

Positioned right at the water's edge, the Lugger Hotel was originally a 17th century inn, reputed to have been the haunt of smugglers for many years. In fact, one of the hotel's landlords, Black Dunstan, was hanged for smuggling liquor in the 1890s.

The hotel's excellent restaurant overlooks the harbour and a cluster of sunny, sheltered terraces and gardens that are used by guests in fine weather. Richard Young has long supported the use of local produce and is delighted by the strength of the growing campaign, which is now finding resonance with visitors and the tourism and catering industries alike.

It is, Richard believes, essential to ensure the county's burgeoning tourism industry builds and sustains beyond its current popularity. "Today's guests are looking for quality," he said. "That applies to the food they eat, the service they receive, the accommodation provided, the services offered and the quality of the visitor experience when travelling around the county."

The Lugger stands proud amongst the region's top hotels and restaurants, making the most of its location to attract its guests, but not relying on its breathtaking views to ensure its success. With Richard and Sheryl the county has gained two more committed hotel owners who have invested in playing their part in building a sound future for Cornwall's tourism industry.